Smith was a main cog in the Coyotes' run to the Western Conference finals last year, but he struggled in the team's first two games this year. He allowed 10 goals in losses to the Dallas Stars and Chicago Blackhawks. He had an .825 save percentage prior to Wednesday's game. Smith stopped all four shots he faced against Columbus.

Phoenix won the game, 5-1. LaBarbera was credited with the victory after stopping 21 of 22 shots.

"I was a little bit nervous going in, but we were focused tonight," LaBarbera told reporters, via The Associated Press. "We played an unreal game and that's how we have to play every night."